CHRIS Fahey is marking the fifth anniversary of his bakery in Innishannon by opening a second business in Bantry.

‘We’re opening a second WildFlour opposite my wife and mine’s favourite coffee shop, Piccolo,’ he said.

But far from being regarded as ‘competition,’ Chris said the business community has been hugely encouraging of the new venture which is opening in  what was previously The Fish Kitchen.

‘All the local businesses in Bantry have been highly supportive. Pat in Wild Garlic, Noreen in Teasey’s and especially Bernie in Piccolo. Like me, Bernie just wants to see the town thriving and people having more places to visit in Bantry. A rising tide and all that,’ said Chris.

He knew after his first year in Innishannon that the premises was too small for the demand.

Originally from Tipperary, he  lives in Drimoleague and already spends a lot of time in Bantry so opening there was an obvious choice.

‘We’re busy at the moment getting the premises ready. The plan will be to open with just take away, and focus on seating upstairs at a later date,’ he said.

He  employs around 15 people between full and part-time staff, and has had CVs sent to him already from people enquiring about positions in the new bakery.

Hospitality is a tough industry, he agrees.

The ovens crank up in Innishannon on a typical morning at 3am.

‘But if the quality is good, if you make it worth people’s while, they are willing to pay and they will come. For example all our stuff is additive free and we only use regenerative farm flour.

‘But we’re not doing this for the money. I’m happy to make enough to pay staff. Our main priority is to add to Bantry. The more people who are attracted here, the better for everyone,’ he said.